Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

This Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is a delightful dessert with a zesty lemon flavor and a beautiful swirl of raspberry sauce. Its creamy texture, combined with the graham cracker crust, makes it a perfect treat for special occasions or simply when you crave something indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Swirl:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
• In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until well combined.
• Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
• Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

1. Make the Raspberry Swirl:

• In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
• Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry sauce over the cheesecake filling. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the raspberry sauce into the filling, creating a marbled effect.

1. Bake the Cheesecake:

• Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed.
• Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour.

1. Chill:

• After cooling in the oven, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 slices
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 55-65 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 6 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

• Berry Substitute: Try substituting the raspberries with strawberries or blueberries for a different fruity swirl.
• Crust Options: For a different crust, consider using crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cheesecake (without the raspberry swirl) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?
   Yes, thaw them first before making the raspberry swirl.
2. Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
   Absolutely, this cheesecake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
3. Can I skip the lemon zest?
   The lemon zest adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if desired.
4. Can I use store-bought raspberry sauce?
   Yes, but homemade raspberry sauce adds a fresher taste.
5. How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
   Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven with the door slightly open helps prevent cracking.
6. Do I need a water bath for baking?
   A water bath can help prevent cracking, but it’s not required for this recipe.
7. Can I use a different size pan?
   You can use a 10-inch springform pan, but reduce the baking time slightly.
8. What type of cream cheese works best?
   Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest texture, but you can use light cream cheese for a lighter option.
9. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
10. Can I add more fruit to the cheesecake?
    Yes, you can mix in extra fruit into the cheesecake batter for a chunkier texture.

Conclusion

This Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake is a delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet raspberry flavors with a creamy, rich cheesecake base. It’s the perfect dessert for any special gathering, bringing both elegance and indulgence to the table. Enjoy every luscious bite!

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